THE GIVENNESS OF THINGS

Marilynne Robinson

In this collection of essays, the American novelist Marilynne Robinson explores two related themes that have deeply interested her throughout her career: Christianity and America. She delivers an impassioned critique of contemporary American society, especially its obsession with creating and mastering technologies that produce material, but not spiritual, comfort. Drawing heavily on Biblical scripture and the work of the influential French theologian John Calvin, Robinson calls for a renewed social emphasis on humans, humanism and cultural heritage.

Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 304 pages, $26